50 Creative Zucchini Recipes for Main Dishes

For gardeners, there’s no such thing as a little bit of zucchini. Come summer, even just one or two plants can yield several pounds of squash. But only so much will fit in your freezer, right? Luckily, zucchini is one of the most versatile vegetables around, and ready for its close-up as a main dish. From salads to casseroles to grilled skewers, these 50 zucchini recipes give the summer squash its starring role on the dinner plate.

Oodles of Zoodles

Summer Bounty Zucchini “Pasta” Recipe by 2ys4you. Photo by bd.weld.

Zucchini noodles or “zoodles” are thin strips of zucchini, which can be lightly cooked or used raw to replace starchy carb-laden pasta or add a pretty texture to main-dish salads. A spiral slicer yields thin, curling zoodles. If you don’t have a spiral slicer, use a vegetable peeler to create thin strips, or use a sharp chef’s knife to slice very fine strings, strips, flat slices for zucchini “lasagna,” or matchsticks. Just like with pasta, there are nearly endless ways to serve zoodles for dinner.

• Paleo Teriyaki Stir-Fry Zoodles, Gluten-Free
• Baked Autumn Vegighetti
• Chicken Zoodle Pho
• Green Goodness Spaghetti
• Japanese Zucchini and Onions
• Lemon Herb Chicken with Zucchini Pasta and Ricotta
• No-Noodle Zucchini Lasagna
• Pesto Zoodles
• Raw Pad Thai
• Refreshing Summer Squash Salad
• Summer Bounty ‘Pasta’
• Zavioli with Spinach and Ricotta

The Right Stuff: Zucchini Boats

Taco-Stuffed Zucchini Boats. Photo by AZ93.

Zucchini makes an excellent base for your favorite savory fillings, especially with zucchini boats (think potato skins, but with zucchini). Portion control is easy: Plate each boat or squash half with bread and butter, steamed vegetables, or an herb garnish for a charming family dinner. Leftover boats pack nicely in resealable plastic tubs for brown-bag lunches. These 12 recipes offer flavors from around the world.

• Mandy’s Crab Stuffed Zucchini
• Beef Stuffed Zucchini
• Cheddar-Rosemary Zucchini Boats
• Cheese and Sausage Stuffed Zucchini
• Chicken Alfredo Zucchini Boats
• Easy Stuffed Zucchini
• Italian Meatloaf in Zucchini Boats
• Lebanese Stuffed Zucchini
• Middle Eastern Stuffed Zucchini
• Mushroom Stuffed Zucchini
• Stuffed Zucchini Shells
• Taco-Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Zucchini recipes for Sandwiches, Patties, and Pies

Zucchini Veggie Rose Tart. Photo by and Recipe by Magda.

Zucchini also makes a versatile vegetarian sandwich filling, whether it’s in fried patties, slices on a roll, or the shredded foundation of a meatless burger. Pizza-style pies and tarts, too, offer a great-looking way to enjoy zucchini’s flavor, with or without meat. Variety–and getting artistic–will keep things interesting!

• Veggie Burgers
• Fabulous Zucchini Grinders
• Zucchini Patties
• Chicken, Chive, and Feta Zucchini Fritters
• Connie’s Zucchini “Crab” Cakes
• Granny’s Italian Zucchini Pie
• Summertime Zucchini Pie
• Veggie Rose Tart
• Farmer’s Market Vegetarian Quesadillas

Zucchini on the Grill

Your barbecue isn’t just for burgers; Zucchini grills beautifully when you spice it up and thread it on skewers or lay slices directly on the grill. Grilled zucchini can go directly to the plate or add a smoky touch to sandwiches, pizza, or salads.

• Individual Grilled Veggie Pizzas
• Balsamic Grilled Zucchini
• California Grilled Veggie Sandwich
• Grilled Stuffed Zucchini Boats
• Veggie Skewers on the Grill
• Grilled Zucchini
• Pizza with Goat Cheese and Grilled Zucchini
• Zucchini Boats on the Grill
• Cuban Beef and Zucchini Kebabs with Mojo Sauce

Eight More Ways to Cook Zucchini

Zucchini Linguine with Summer Squash, Tomatoes, and Basil. Recipe and Photo from JJLuke

From the classic casserole or ratatouille to pasta mixes and fajitas, there’s virtually no wrong way to prepare zucchini. Reaquaint yourself with some of these all-time favorites:

• Baked Italian Egg, Zucchini, and Scallion Frittata
• Vegan Fajitas
• Baked Garden Ratatouille
• Corn and Zucchini Melody
• Linguini with Summer Squash, Tomatoes, and Basil
• Bountiful Garden Zucchini Enchiladas
• Steamed Squash Medley with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
• Tunisian Kaftaji

 

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